What you need to know about “When Sparks Fly”:
✔ Friends to Lovers
✔ Dual Point of View
✔ Avery Spark, runs Spark House, an event management space
✔ Declan, Avery’s BFF and roommate
✔ Forced Proximity
✔ Complete Standalone

I just want to first say I’ve read most of Helena Hunting’s books and I’ve loved them all. She is consistently one of my go-to authors. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy “When Sparks Fly” terribly much.

In the opening chapters of “When Sparks Fly”, Avery gets into a car accident that is fairly severe. (TW for car accidents) Her best friend and roommate, Declan, blames himself (and I blame him too) as he flaked out on her and didn’t drive her in his SUV like he promised he would. He flaked on her because he picked up some random, got drunk and brought her home with him. This happened even though he knows that Avery is a nervous driver because her parents died in a car accident. Not the best introduction to a male main character.

After the accident, Declan is so consumed with guilt that he insists on caring for Avery himself when she’s released from the hospital.

In between helping Avery go to the bathroom, bathe, wash her hair and give her massages, they become enmeshed in some major forced proximity territory.

Soon, they can no longer deny their attraction and things get physical between them in a pretty steamy way, But will their friendship survive this major change?

Declan is very into casual hookups (see second paragraph) and is anti-relationship/marriage due to his parents’ acrimonious split. I found it difficult to like Declan because of his behaviour leading up to the accident. His repetitive anti-relationship talk was a little eye roll inducing post-accident. He even admits to Avery that his difficulty with emotional intimacy is a red flag for any potential girlfriend. Avery tells the reader and her sisters why Declan is so great but I didn’t really see much evidence of it until the last chapter.

Avery is a strong, independent woman but I found it difficult to get a real sense for the character. After the accident she slips into this semi-relationship with Declan and after that I found that her emotions seemed to be stripped away and she was responding to everything in a too rational and almost a “quotes from your favorite psychiatrist” manner.

Because their relationship is so delicate and fraught with pitfalls I didn’t really enjoy it before the Big Misunderstanding occurred and then had to experience the slog of recovering from that.

It is fantastic that Declan gets the help he needs. I wish this would occur in more romances. I absolutely loved that aspect of the book and everything that followed. I just found that ultimately the spark was missing in “When Sparks Fly”,

WRITING STYLE: 4/5
PLOT: 3/5
WORLD-BUILDING: 3/5
PACING: 3/5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 3/5
ROMANCE: 2/5

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the author; my opinions are 100% my own.

"When Sparks Fly" by Helena Hunting
A Fun Read
I thoroughly enjoyed my time within this story. Yes, there were some 'closeness' scenes that gave a bit more information that I needed to read; this I say for those who are easily offended. But the scenes were well done and rather needed for the story to be truly complete. I think, if you read the description and it caught your interest so you are reading reviews, you most likely will enjoy this story, too! Happy Reading.
Note: I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via Net Galley
This posting is my honest opinion.

Okay, wow. You will have your heart in your throat pretty early on with this book. Avery's best friend, Declan, breaks a promise that results in an emotional and guilt-ridden journey for him. The easiest way for Declan to ease some of his guilt is to care for Avery while she recovers. Her sister's aren't as quick to forgive, but are also buried in work trying to absorb Avery's duties at their family run business, the Spark House, a destination venue. Each sister's duties were equal to their strengths, so having to face Avery's was difficult for both of them. Avery forgives Declan pretty early on, taking responsibility for her choices, but he can't forgive himself. They become closer than ever and decide to breach the friendship with romance, needless to say, everything starts out great, but devolves quickly as Avery heals and is able to get around on her own again. Declan's previous one night-stand rule was rooted in a childhood featuring horrible selfish parents that cheated on each other in some crazy one-upmanship. There's a great deal of angst and hurt in this book, but finally has an HEA.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for an impartial review.

I don’t read romances too often so I am picky if I select one to read and review. Thankfully this one was definitely up to snuff. The best friends to lovers story has been done often but this one really does a great job and sets it apart from most. Thanks to the alternating point of view of Avery and Declan it felt real. Now I need to read the author’s backlist, I am a fan!

This was a cute and sexy, but sometimes heavy, friends-to-lovers romance. I enjoyed the depiction of the sisters' personalities and relationships and the humour in how their events were presented. The romance was steamy with some conflict for the element of drama. Overall, an enjoyable read.

I enjoy Helena Hunting's writing but sadly this one didn't hit the mark.

The book started out good and with so much hope but eventually became repetitive, boring and hard to pick up. This eventually led to skimming. Parts of it were unrealistic [ broke so many bones in her body and is on pain medicine but also feels like having sex. Whatever. We also have a ex-boyfriend thrown into the story for unnecessary angst that misses the mark. (hide spoiler)]. Honestly, by the last third of the book I was over it and couldn't get done fast enough.

***Advanced copy obtained from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley***

When Sparks Fly is exactly why i love best friend to lover troope.

The author put the perfect amount pace for Avery and Declan to transfer from bestfriend to lover, in my opinion.

Being bestfriend and loyal confidant to each other, things change gradually yet so fast when both of them force to be closer than they ever be after Avery's accident.

Avery dependency to Declan from walking to eating.
From bathroom time to orgasm.

Yep, those sweet tender sexy times are killing me! I love how sexy they can be.

Until her past come calling.
Until his own fear and childhood trauma threaten to destroy their friendship along with their new found love.

Let me preface this by saying that the topic: from friends to lovers is one of the ones I like the least, then when the famous redeemed playboy (who can't have a relationship because his parents are divorced) comes into the mix, all my alarm bells start ringing.
So unfortunately with these premises that turned out to be dramatically true, I didn't like the book all that much, although there are some funny situations, but I don't think it was enough for me.

Premetto che giá il tropo: da amici ad amanti é uno di quelli che mi piace di meno, poi quando nel mix arriva anche il famoso playboy redento che non riesce ad avere una relazione perché i suoi genitori sono divorziati, tutti i miei campanelli di allarme cominciano a suonare.
Quindi purtroppo con queste premesse che si sono poi rivelate drammaticamente vere, il libro non mi é piaciuto poi tanto, per quanto ci sono situazioni divertenti, ma non credo che per me sia stato sufficiente.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

When Sparks Fly is the book I needed to get me out of my reading slump. I was hooked from the very first page and the characters felt like old friends.
There is just something about Ms Hunting’s words that cause you to leave reality behind and immerse yourself into the fictional world.
Its a veritable slow burn! Best friends who live together, Avery and Declan have to make some alterations to their living situation when Avery has a car accident. Needless to say being in close proximity together, causes certain things to happen, however with Declan’s propensity to shy away from relationships is he willing to risk the past experiences to dive headfirst into one with Avery?
Honestly was really hoping these two would become something so much more, their wonderful friendship is truly something to be treasured. When Avery returns to work and things return to a somewhat new normal, will these two solidify their relationship, despite the bumps along the way? The conversations, the banter and the wonderful family/friends surrounding these two made for an enjoyable read!
This is a story you will have to experience for yourself to find out what happens.
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and really didn’t want it to end. I really cannot wait to see what story Ms Hunting has up her sleeve for us to read next!

This was a sweet bestfriend to lovers romance. Everything HH is gold. I completely loved the slow burn but undeniable love story of Avery and Declan. Another great one.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me with this ARC

I really wanted to love this.

Unfortunately, it required a valiant effort on my part, and I finally reached the end, after weeks of trying.
I didn’t like our FMC, from the beginning, but i had hopes for Declan. They were short lived.
Ultimately a lot of things became repetitive, the relationship itself felt forced, and I just lacked an overall connection with the whole story.

Thanks for the ARC of When Sparks Fly!

I have to admit the first chapter had me thinking this would be a very PG story. We meet the three Spark sisters who run Spark House. They run and organize events. At this first meet they’re overseeing a group of men with “hobbyhorses” which I still don’t completely understand nor do I want to. Avery Sparks sisters have talked her into going on a first date after this hobbyhorse situation.

I also fell for this being about Averys journey to meet men through dating apps. After this first (terrible) date Avery is in a terrible car accident. Her best friend and roommate, Declan, was supposed to be driving so he feels responsible and absolutely awful. Avery needs round the clock help and care so Declan arranged to work from home and attend to her every need.

At this point we realize Declan is a complete DREAMBOAT. He waits on Avery hand and foot, he predicts what she’ll need and protects her fiercely. Declan has also had a rough upbringing with a very traumatic divorce/cheating situation sewn deep into his life. But we begin to see him with total heart eyes. And the STEAM this book delivers- whoa!! Avery and Declan start to realize maybe they’re much more than best friends. And the reader is in the stands with Pom-poms and “we love Avery & Declan” signs! But can Declan deal with all his deep routed issues? Is this situation a good idea? What if everything will be ruined?

I couldn’t put this book down. I was obsessed with Declan. I had to know how this would turn out so I couldn’t stop reading! And this first chapter really had me thinking this story would be cheesy and PG- no way!! Everyone should get a chance at love with their best friend! Well done!

I love a friends-to-lovers romance, especially when it's a "just one of the guys" type of heroines, and I've enjoyed lots of Helena Hunting books in the past, but this book was a total miss for me. I just didn't feel the sizzle between Avery and Declan, and I didn't find their relationship compelling. I sort of forced myself to push through and finish this one, and it never really redeemed itself for me. If anything, the implosion of their relationship felt really forced and immature, and the resolution felt oddly stilted. I loved the concept of this book, but the actual execution just didn't work for me.

When Sparks Fly is a fun friends-to-lovers romantic comedy featuring Avery and Declan, who have been friends since college and are now roommates with a friendship that is unshakable - or so they think. When Avery gets in a car accident, Declan blames himself and becomes her full time caregiver as she recovers. We see their relationship grow from a friendship to more with lots of drama along the way.

The story was fun and enjoyable and I loved that it took place in Colorado, my home state! The characters had well developed back stories, although I felt that the references to their back stories were a little repetitive at times. Avery's fear of abandonment and Declan's commitment issues, that both stemmed from their childhoods, were brought up constantly as an explanation for their behavior. While that is great character development, I didn't feel like we needed to be reminded of it constantly. Overall, the author told the reader what conclusions to draw, rather than showing. The writing style was more "telling" rather than "showing" and I tend to prefer the opposite.

Other than those couple things, I still became invested in their story and wanted to follow it through until the end. The Colorado references were fun, even though Avery and Declan were alumni from my university's rival school! ;-) If you're looking for a straight forward friends-to-lovers book that follows the typical formula for that trope, then this is the book for you!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really am unsure why I didn't love this it had so much good. It just felt flat to me and the characters disnt stand out I will continue reading every single thing this author writes this was just not a slam dunk like her normal work

So freaking good! OMG this book is outstanding!!! I love Avery and Declan; their story was beautifully written.

Helena Hunting has made my day! Her words flowed so effortlessly. Although I almost cried a few times, the laughs and aww moments were plentiful. This book is a compete standalone with the perfect ending. You're going to love it!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read When Sparks Fly

I'm a big Helena Hunting fan but When Sparks Fly wasn't quite the book I was excepting.

This was a friends to lovers story. Avery and Declan have been friends and roommates for years. Declan has a past with seeing his parents in a failed relationship and has a fear of not being good enough for Avery. After Avery gets in a terrible accident, he takes on the role of care giver for her. Things take a turn in an intimate direction and Declan and Avery try to take their relationship from friends to boyfriend and girlfriend. But, past trust issues get in the way and the Avery and Declan have to step back and work on themselves before they can take their relationship. to the next level
For me Declan will not be winning any book boyfriend awards. He never really quite redeemed himself in this one. I did like the spotlight on therapy and mental health.

I would consider Helena Hunting one of my favorite romance authors and I have loved almost every book of hers I’ve picked up. Unfortunately, When Sparks Fly fell flat for me.

I went into it having read the synopsis (which you know I don’t usually do) and I thought it sounded amazing! A friends to lovers, with forced proximity (they’re already roommates!), when one becomes severely injured in a car accident, the other steps up to be their full time caregiver. *cue heart eyes and instant swoon.

However, I found the conversations to be repetitive and the chemistry to be lacking. I was craving the angst that we usually see in Helena’s books and honestly, I didn’t find myself rooting for either of these characters. Although I can empathize with an injury like what is sustained, I can only hear so many times how difficult it is to do ‘x, y and z’ in the span of 300 pages.

The decisions and flow of the story felt methodic, rigid and a little fake.

BUT. I am a huge Helena fan so here are some things I did like! I thought the handling of mental health was well done and I can absolutely appreciate (and applaud) characters trying to better themselves with the use of therapy. The initial relationship between the two main characters felt nostalgic and as always, the grand gesture was *chefs kiss. I loved the female main characters family, and her ties to family, but I didn’t feel they were involved enough to warrant how often they were mentioned.

When Sparks Fly won’t discourage me from picking up any of Hunting’s future books (nor should my review discourage you) but ultimately, I felt it was missing that *special something that so many of her other books contain.

I do feel that the readers for this book are out there! So definitely give When Sparks Fly a shot if you love HH.


*TW: car accidents, abuse, childhood trauma, loss of a parent.


Huge thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. Also, a big shoutout to the cover design team, those bold beautiful colors drew my eye right in!

An enjoyable light read.
Best friends Avery and Declan find themselves becoming much closer after a serious accident makes Declan her main caregiver whilst she recovers. Taking a chance on being more than friends, is though a risk, as Declan’s formative years have affected how he sees relationships.
Note: I was interested in the fact that Avery had waterproof casts as I had never heard of them. I therefore looked up the details on the Internet only to find that Avery would not have been a suitable candidate due to her surgery! Heigh-ho.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the first book I've read by this author, although I have a few of her other books on my tbr. I've really been enjoying friends to lovers romances lately and I instantly wanted to read this once I saw that this had that trope. Another aspect about romances that I love is when one character has to take care of the other, particularly when one is sick or injured. It brings about a sweet dynamic and vulnerable situations that take the characters outside of their typical interactions with one another. This book delivered on both those accounts.

This story is about best friends Avery and Declan, friends since college and now in their late 20s and early 30s, living together in a shared condo. When Avery is injured, Declan jumps at the chance to help nurse her back to health. His care and attention in her time of need bring the two of them closer together than every before and their feelings begin to blossom. Unfortunately, issues from their past may threaten to creak the new foundation of their budding romance before it even begins.

I enjoyed the characters of this story, Avery and her two sisters, as well as the guy group that Declan is a part of. It was easy to follow and get swept up into this story quickly. The accident and her recovery are very involved and the honesty with which they talk about taking care of her basic needs like changing clothes and visiting the bathroom bring a healthy dose of reality into a scene which could have been painted with rose colored glasses and romanticized elsewhere. I appreciated the author wrote those scenes and made them real, vulnerable and awkward because I've been in her shoes and that describes those situations quite well.

The moment that brings them from friends to something more romantic seemed a bit far fetched to me. Without spoiling it, I'll just say that she could have found something else to take care of that instead of asking him to do so. It seemed far fetched and less than believable, but I was invested in their relationship and trajectory of their attraction to each other at that point so I kept reading. I'm glad that this story brought up mental health and therapy discussions, because some issues needed to be worked through and sorted out from the past. They were both committed to finding healthy ways to navigate the difficulties of the past, which I appreciated as a reader.

All in all, I thought this had good world building (maybe books about Avery's two sisters and more about Spark House will happen in the future?) and I enjoyed seeing Declan and Avery finally find a way to process their feelings in a healthy way, before acting on the attraction sizzling between the two.

Content: trust issues from unresolved toxic parenting, car accident, caregiving

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.